Opp party wants recall of decision taken in August 24, 2009 cabinet meeting
SHILLONG: The HSPDP has asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to de-notify the decision taken at the cabinet meeting held on August 24, 2009, in which the government had approved the proposal of the Mining & Geology department to allow implementation of pre-project development activities by UCIL on an area of 422 hectares of land in South West Khasi Hills.
Emerging from a meeting with the chief minister here on Thursday, HSPDP president Ardent M. Basaiawmoit said the chief minister has assured the delegation of de-notifying the decisions which were taken in the August 24, 2009 cabinet meeting.
Expressing concern over the EOI floated by UCIL, the HSPDP reiterated its stand not to allow uranium mining in the State alleging that it will have a very serious and adverse effect on human lives and the environment.
The party also impressed upon the State government to take up the matter seriously with the Central government and to convey to it the stiff opposition of the people of the State to any attempt to extract uranium.
During the meeting, the HSPDP also dwelt on the recent move of the State government to deviate from the normal procedure as far as the appointment of bonded nurses was concerned.
The party was of the view that it was not right on the part of the government to discontinue the policy of giving preference to bonded students as far as the appointment of nurses was concerned.
The chief minister assured the delegation that the government will judiciously exercise its mind to ensure that justice is given to all concerned in this regard.
The HSPDP delegation also discussed at length the attempt of Defence personnel stationed in the State to enroll themselves as voters, saying the trend will definitely disturb the tribal status of the State where local tribals are supposed to exercise their right to elect their own government.
Moreover, the party was of the opinion that since they are here on a temporary stay it would therefore result in their direct interference in the political affairs of the tribal community, Basaiawmoit said.
The HSPDP further asked the government to cancel allotment of revenue land to the state of Nagaland near NEIGRIHMS.
“It is shocking that the State government chose to allot the land to its counterpart without even considering that such a location would better serve the local people coming from remote areas of Meghalaya to undergo medical treatment at NEIGRIHMS,” he said.
The chief minister sought a clarification on the issue of allotment of land to Nagaland and assured the HSPDP members that he would look into the matter and act accordingly for the interest of the local tribals.